Dental Implants Tissue and Other Debris from Entering

FOR THE DENTAL PATIENT ...

screw is inserted into the implant to prevent gum Dental implants tissue and other debris from entering. The gum then is secured over the implant. The An option for replacing implant will remain covered for approximately three to six months while it fuses with the bone, a missing teeth process called “osseointegration.” There may be some swelling, tenderness or both for a few days after the surgery, so pain medication usually is f you are self-conscious about missing teeth prescribed to alleviate the discomfort. A diet of or wearing dentures, there’s an alternative soft foods, cold foods and warm soup often is rec- that may be right for you: dental implants. ommended during the healing process. Dental implants are one option for replacing dIn the second step, the implant is uncovered missing or badly diseased teeth. A dental and the dentist attaches an extension, called a Iimplant offers comfort and stability and, by virtue post, to the implant. The gum tissue is allowed to of the artificial tooth it supports, is a restoration heal around the post. Some implants require a that is the closest thing to a natural tooth. second surgical procedure in which a post is attached to connect the replacement teeth. With WHAT IS AN IMPLANT? other implants, the implant and post are a single Implants are manufactured “anchors” that look unit placed in the mouth during the initial like cylinders or screws. They are artificial surgery. Once healed, the implant and post can replacements for natural tooth roots. Implants serve as the foundation for the new tooth. are used in upper and lower jaws. They are made dIn the third and final step, the dentist makes a of titanium and other materials that are well- crown, which has a size, shape, color and fit that suited to the human body. They attach to the jaw- will blend with your other teeth. Once completed, bone and gum tissue to become a stable base for the crown is attached to the implant post. one or more custom artificial replacement teeth, called dental crowns. ARE IMPLANTS RIGHT FOR YOU? Dental implants have been used for several Who’s a good candidate for implant treatment? decades. Patients of all ages have chosen dental You are, if you’re in good health and have healthy implants to replace a single tooth or several teeth gums and adequate bone to support an implant. or to support partial or full dentures. It’s no sur- You must be committed to thorough oral hygiene prise. Dental implants and their crowns help to keep your mouth healthy and to scheduling restore the ability to chew food. They help fill out regular dental visits. Ask your dentist if implants a face that otherwise could look sunken because are an option for you. of missing teeth. Unlike dentures, implants and crowns are not removed for overnight soaking and Prepared by the ADA Division of Communications, in cooperation with The Journal of the American Dental Association. Unlike other cleaning. No adhesives are needed. portions of JADA, this page may be clipped and copied as a handout for patients, without first obtaining reprint permission from the ADA Pub- THE IMPLANT PROCESS lishing Division. Any other use, copying or distribution, whether in printed or electronic form, is strictly prohibited without prior written Treatment generally is a three-part process that consent of the ADA Publishing Division. takes several months. “For the Dental Patient” provides general information on dental dIn the first step, the dentist surgically places treatments to dental patients. It is designed to prompt discussion between dentist and patient about treatment options and does not sub- the implant in the jaw, with the top of the stitute for the dentist’s professional assessment based on the individual implant slightly above the top of the bone. A patient’s needs and desires.